Mistake 7: Overpacking

ABOVE: Tourists prepare to haul their large
suitcases over the Calatrava Bridge, which links Venice's Santa Lucia Railroad
Station with the Piazzale Roma.

Mistake #7: Overpacking.

The
admonition to "travel light" may be a cliché, but
it's advice worth heeding--especially when you're traveling to Venice, where
private transportation is expensive, vaporetto water buses are often
jam-packed, and walking usually requires hauling your suitcases over at least a
few of the city's 400+ footbridges.

If
you're in a tour group, your bags are likely to be delivered to your hotel by
the
Cooperativa Trasbagagli Venezia, which transports luggage in bulk for travel
companies. But as as independent traveler, you'll need to fend for yourself.

Our advice:

Limit your baggage to one small upright suitcase of carry-on
size, plus a lightweight backpack or tote.

If
Venice is just one of the cities on your trip and you insist on traveling
around Italy or Europe with bulky luggage, take a small carry-on bag to your
hotel in Venice and store your larger suitcase at the Piazzale Roma or Marco
Polo Airport. (See our "Left
Luggage" article for details.)

If you're traveling heavy and you can't
afford a water taxi, be prepared for long lines at the vaporetto ticket
booths by the railroad
station and the Piazzale Roma.
Also, you may be required to buy tickets for your luggage: According
to ACTV, Venice's transit agency, you're allowed one bag with a combined
length, width, and depth of 150 cm or 59 inches. If you go over that limit,
your suitcase can be charged a full adult
vaporetto fare.